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Living it up in Linlithgow
Nestled in the heart of Linlithgow, a stones throw away from Linlithgow Palace, lies a small culinary haven called Livingston's. Jemma Foster ventured out to one of Lothian's best-kept secrets.
Livingston's is a home-from-home serving superb modern Scottish cuisine. As you dine in a cosy conservatory overlooking a small cottage garden, take in the flagstone floors covered with tartan rugs, the walls warmed with a deep burgundy and the candles lighting the open brickwork. Shelves and window ledges are stacked with old books, magazines and assorted trinkets. The walls are adorned in nostalgic pictures, photographs and memorabilia. You get the impression that you are in the dining room of a private house rather than a public restaurant.
Ronald and Christine Livingston, with the aid of their son, Derek, have dedicated the past twelve years to delivering friendly, yet efficient service with a personal touch that serves only to complement the inventive signature cooking and impeccable presentation. The food is presented to the highest standard and while plate design and the subtle art of 'drizzling' are certainly high on the agenda, it is not at the expense of quality and taste.
The emphasis is on carefully sourced organic Scottish produce, all ingredients are prepared on-site to special homemade recipes, and all dishes are cooked from scratch. Understandably this does take some time, but it is worth the wait. In the meantime, you could quench your thirst with a champagne cocktail or sample one of the 36 whiskies available, ranging from a 10-year-old Glenkinchie at £3.00 to The Macallan 1861 Replica at £14.00 a glass. For starters, tuck in to a Marbled Foie Gras and Quail Terrine with wild bramble and port jelly, or try the Seared King Scallop on a Stornoway black pudding and pin oatmeal croquette with walnut vinaigrette. For the main course, tempt yourself with the Saddle of Highland Venison with parsnip tuilles, goose fat fondant and game jus. If you've got space, go for the rhubarb and heather honey cheesecake for dessert, although the Strawberry-Almond Shortcake with fresh basil cream could steal your heart too. There is a good selection of dessert wines, also, so pick wisely according to taste. Personally, I can vouch for the Old Luxters Reserve at £4.95 a glass. And to complete the decadence, nibble on a bit of Mrs. Livingston's legendary tablet served with freshly brewed coffee. Then just relax, appreciate, and digest.
Livingston's Restaurant
52 High Street
Linlithgow
01506 846 565
www.livingstons-restaurant.co.uk
This article has been edited from the original. To view the feature in full, please see Catering in Scotland magazine. To join our database, go to Media Pack on this website and click on Subscribe.
